AT THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART

When he was sad, he tried to see

trees overhanging cottages and a road,

or a sunrise over the effervescent sea.

There were cheeks of roses to see

and cows in their special seats

on a hillside. When he was full

of the fires of gladness, he gave himself

to fields of grain by Flemish painters,

or the strong white faces of statues.

There were wonders to walk past

and celebrate. There were merciful works

of art for a teacher to hold in his heart.